Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the site of historical fiction author Jessica James. I'm glad you stopped by and hope you will come back again soon.

For those of you who have just stumbled upon my site, I am the author of Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia (Jan. 2008), and I am working on my second novel Above and Beyond.

The release of Shades of Gray in January, 2008, was the culmination of years of research on the brave men who fought in the Civil War on the soil of Virginia. As you can see from some of the reviews on the right-hand column, the book has been praised for its attention to historical detail--but don't get the idea it's just a Civil War book. It is, more than anything, a love story.

For those of you who have read the book and enjoyed it, I hope you stop back in as I post "the missing chapters." The book was originally more than 1,000 pages, so there are a number of sub-plots that didn't make the cut.

Stop back soon!

Jessica

Civil War novel gets "Wow" review

Just received a copy of the August issue of the Lone Star Review, where my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray received a "wow" review (far exceeds expectations). It's the highest classification given by the publication.

A nice bit of news on this hot and sultry summer day!

Jessica James

Restoring Honor in a big way

Spent a wonderful weekend in Washington, D.C. to attend THE event -- and used some of the time to play tourist and visit Civil War sites that have long been on my must-see list. A special highlight was finding Col. Mosby's Civil War jacket and hat in the Smithsonian.

Of course, the best part of the weekend was meeting new friends from Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Calif., Texas, (many, many Texans), Tenn., Fla., Neb., New York, New Jersey -- needless to say, too many to mention, but names and faces I will never, ever forget.

With the main theme of my Civil War novel, Shades of Gray, being honor, the RESTORING HONOR rally was an event I knew I could not miss. In the picture of above, you can barely see the white dot of a tent in the middle of the trees on the right-hand side. That was the medical/water tent where I volunteered for the second half ... and well after. I must have lifted at least a few hundred cases and handed out thousands of bottles of water, but luckily there was absolutely NO CLEANUP. Five hundred thousand people gathered in one place and they all found the garbage cans. Amazing - especially when you see pictures of the mess left after other large events in

I feel sorry for anyone who did not attend. It was a spiritual and patriotic event that will probably never be surpassed. After returning home, it was soon back to reality -- and somewhat strange to hear that HONOR is now a controversial topic. Really? When did that happen?

In no media reports did I see any mention of the main intent of the rally - to honor the military and raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. More than $5.5 million was raised just during the rally and probably much more by now. The tributes and stories were heartwarming and tear-jerking. Dr. Martin Luther King's niece, Dr. Alveda King, had a wonderful, uplifting message, as did those who were honored with special medals by Glenn Beck.

To those who traveled thousands of miles on their last dollars, I send a hug. And to those who brought their children to witness history, I give a salute. I will never forget the sight of true Americans from every imaginable ethnic group and social status, standing shoulder to shoulder in unity for the values that the greatest country on earth was founded upon.

God Bless America!


Jessica James

Successful crabbing expedition

It's been a busy summer - but not all work and no play. I spent two days at my brother's house relaxing in his pool and crabbing with my nephews and pop.

We didn't do too badly either - 32 crabs in just two hours on the water. They were some of the best crabs I've ever eaten--but then again there is nothing better than catching your own meal.

This season seems better than most in recent memory. We caught some really big crabs, but threw back dozens of small ones for every large one we kept. That means the season will only get better as those grow and mature.

I'm looking foward to next weekend when I travel to Welbourne in Upperville, Va. I will have plenty to write about upon my return!

Jessica James

The sweet taste of summer

It looks like summer weather has finally arrived. We've been teased with it here in Pennsylvania since March, but at last I think it's here to stay.

I've been picking fresh strawberries by the handful for a few weeks now, but this is an example of what I've been picking every morning for the past few days. The picture doesn't really show that this is a 3-quart bowl.

We've also been eating salads with our fresh lettuce, and are anxiously waiting for beans, tomatoes, corn, broccoli, cucumbers, blueberries, raspberries, cherries and, eventually, apples.

I think being an historical fiction author has made me realize how important it is to be a good steward of the land. I don't use any pesticides or fertilizers of any kind, so I know what I'm eating is fresh and natural.

The best part is going outside every morning to see what Mother Earth made for us overnight.

Jessica James

Booksigning at historic Aldie Mill

So excited to be going to a last-minute booksigning tomorrow (Saturday, May 22) in beautiful and historic Aldie, Va.

Not only do I have an excuse to go to Virginia, I will be signing copies of my Civil War novel, Shades of Gray behind the historic Aldie Mill, where Confederate Colonel John S. Mosby had at least one engagement. (More on that when I get back).

If you're in the area, here are just a few of the things going on: Attic Sale at Church of Our Redeemer, all-natural beef tasting by Pride of the Plains, along with wine tasting at the Aldie Peddlar, bicentennial sale at Bella Villa, Firequacker Duck Race, historical lectures, tours of the Aldie Mill, a huge flea market, live music, large sale at Diamonds and Rust, and rummage sale at Aldie Methodist Church.

It looks like a great community event - and I can't wait to go (and shop). There is also a celebration at the Mill on Sunday from noon to 5 if you can't make it on Saturday.

Hope you stop by and say hello!

Jessica James